Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 166 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.7 times the median S40 year — the 2000 model ranks #1 of 12 S40 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 56 reports (34% of the total).
166
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
16
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 56 | 34% | new |
| Speed Control | 17 | 10% | new |
| Electrical System | 15 | 9% | new |
| Suspension | 15 | 9% | new |
| Lighting | 15 | 9% | new |
| Engine | 12 | 7% | new |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 4% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 3% | new |
| Other | 5 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 4 | 2% | new |
| Transmission | 3 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | new |
| Airbags | 3 | 2% | new |
| Seats | 2 | 1% | new |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 1% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, WATER CAN ENTER THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE VACUUM PUMP, CAUSING THE PUMP TO FAIL.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER ASSIST AND AN INCREASE IN NEEDED BRAKE PEDAL FORCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PUMP WITH A NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION AND MOVE THE PUMP TO A NEW LOCATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2000 VOLVO S40 WOULD NOT STOP WHEN APPLIED PRESSURE TO BRAKES. *TS SIX MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE BRAKE PUMP. THE CONSUMER IS NOW SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DAMAGES INCURRED PRIOR TO NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL. RECALL 03V474000. *JB”
“THE KEY HAS BEEN STICKING IN MY IGNITION WHEN I PARK. THIS TIME WHEN I COULD NOT GET THE KEY OUT, I RESTARTED THE CAR IN PARK, OF COURSE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR JUMPED INTO REVERSE AND FLEW BACKWARDS OUT OF MY GARAGE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. IT CROSSED THE ROAD AND ENDED UP KNOCKING DOWN…”
“WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WILL LOOSE ELECTRICAL POWER AND SHUT OFF. SOMETIMES PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING LIGHTS WILL DIM AND FLICKER. SOMETIMES THE ENGINE WILL STUMBLE. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE AND THE AC IS ON. THIS HAPPENS MOSTLY WHEN CAR IS AT IDLE OR LOW SPEEDS. CAR WAS TAKEN…”
“TURN SIGNALS WILL STOP WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN IT HAPPENS NEITHER LH NOR LH TURN SIGNAL WILL ILLUMINATE AND NEITHER EXTERIOR BULB NOR DASH INDICATOR WILL ILLUMINATE. TURNING ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS WILL JUMP START THE TURN SIGNALS TO WORK AGAIN. TURN SIGNAL RELAY (UNDER DASH NEAR DRIVER KICK…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING OR DRIVING ON AN UNLEVELED ROAD, THERE WAS A METAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A CURB AND THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE COTNACT'S RESIDENCE, WHERE IT HAS BEEN PARKED. ”
NHTSA data argues against it: 166 complaints put the 2000 model at #1 of 12 S40 years. It is one of the S40 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (56 complaints), speed control (17 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2000 Volvo S40. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S40 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2004. The cleanest record among S40 years belongs to 2011.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.